Remote control for hose operation

ABSTRACT

A hose control system comprising a receiver and a transmitter by which one can remotely control both the flow of water through a hose and the winding or unwinding of the hose onto a reel. The system preferably has power saving advantages, for example, by the use of a power control unit that reduces the power consumed by the electronics of the devices, but does not unreasonably disrupt the use of the devices. The receiver may be used with different aspects or all of the hose control system.

CLAIM FOR PRIORITY

[0001] This application claims priority of U.S. Provisional ApplicationsNo. 60/455,229 filed on Mar. 13, 2003. This application is hereinincorporated by reference but is not admitted to be prior art.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0002] This invention relates generally to hose systems and moreparticularly to controlling fluid flow and reel operations of hosesystems. The invention further relates to power saving aspects of thesame.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0003] Hoses are typically used in conjunction with on/off valvespositioned at a distal or proximal end of the hose. For example, gardenhoses are fitted to a faucet on the outside of a house or otherbuilding, with a traditional manual spigot or valve for turning thewater flow on or off at the faucet. Because the hose is designed toextend many yards away from the faucet, it is often convenient to have ameans for turning the flow on or off at the distal or spray nozzle endof the hose. Thus, many manual devices such as spray guns are providedfor fitting at the nozzle end of the hose so that the flow can be turnedon or off without repeatedly returning to the faucet.

[0004] Despite the availability of attachments for turning the flow onor off at the nozzle end, it is generally undesirable to leave the waterflow on at the source when the hose is no longer in use. Continual waterpressure along the entire length of the hose is undesirable for a numberof reasons. The pressure tends to form leakage paths at joints betweenmultiple lengths of hose, at the joint between the nozzle and the nozzleattachment (such as a spray gun), and at the joint between the faucetand the hose. Furthermore, continual pressure can also form leaks alongthe hose line itself. Constant leakage at these points leads to floodedor muddied garden areas, particularly near the faucet where the user hasto go to turn the water on or off. Moreover, it is difficult tomanipulate the hose, move it from place to place or coil the hose forstorage with constant pressure along the hose line. This leads the userto turn off the water flow at the source, e.g., by the manual spigot onthe outside faucet. However, it is often inconvenient to reach thefaucet. Often the faucet is obstructed or difficult to reach and thearea around the faucet tends to be muddied by water leakage.

[0005] These problems have been addressed to some extent by providing aremotely controllable, electrically actuated valve or flow controller inthe hose, the valve positioned to selectively open and close a fluidflow path through the hose via a remote control. However, there arepower consumption issues that limit the use of remotely controlleddevices. Remote control systems generally involve a remote transmitterpowered by a battery, or low power source, and the unit to becontrolled. The unit to be controlled is connected to a receiver that isusually powered by a continuous power source, rather than a battery.Thus, while the remote transmitter is typically powered by batteries andthus truly “wireless,” the receiver is usually connected to a larger, orcontinuous, source of power by a wire. The reason the transmitter canoperate from a battery, or low power source, is because a transmitteronly needs to draw power when it transmits a wireless signal to thereceiver; thus, the transmitter does not need to draw power at alltimes. On the other hand, the receiver cannot function in this waybecause it does not know when a command will be sent to it. In otherwords, in traditional arrangements, the receiver must continuouslymonitor for incoming signals and, therefore, must be on at all times.The power that is needed to continuously monitor for an incoming signalwould normally drain a battery in a few days. This makes a fullywireless, or battery-operated remotely controllable device, impractical.

[0006] Motorized hose reels also exist. Such reels have mechanical andelectrical controls on the reel itself.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0007] Accordingly, a need exists for improved control over fluid flowthrough a hose system, as well as over a motorized reel. A need alsoexists to reduce the power needed to operate this and other types ofremote control systems for supplemental fluid flow controller and/ormotorized reels. In satisfaction of these needs, the present applicationprovides various embodiments that permit remote control of supplementalflow controllers and motorized reels for hose systems.

[0008] In one aspect, the present invention provides a hose controlsystem comprising a flow controller, a hose reel device, electroniccomponents, and a remote control. The flow controller includes an inlet,an outlet, a fluid flow path defined between the inlet and outlet, andan electrically actuated valve positioned to selectively close the fluidflow path. The hose reel device, which is in fluid communication withthe outlet of the flow controller, comprises a rotatable drum onto whicha hose can be spooled, and an electrical motor connected to rotate thedrum. The electronic components are in communication with, and areconfigured to convey electrical power to drive, the valve and the motor.The electronic components comprise a wireless receiver configured toreceive wireless command signals for controlling the valve and themotor. The remote control comprises manual controls and a wirelesstransmitter. The wireless transmitter is configured to transmit commandsignals to the wireless receiver for controlling the valve and themotor. The manual controls are connected to the wireless transmitter topermit control of the wireless transmitter.

[0009] In another aspect, the present invention provides a hose controlsystem comprising a flow controller, a rotatable hose reel drum ontowhich a hose can be spooled, an electrically controllable motorconnected to rotate the drum, electronic components, and a remotecontrol. The flow controller has an inlet, an outlet, a fluid flow pathdefined between the inlet and outlet, and an electrically actuated valvepositioned to selectively close the fluid flow path. The electroniccomponents are in communication with the valve and the motor. The remotecontrol is configured to transmit wireless command signals to theelectronic components for controlling the valve and the motor.

[0010] In another aspect, the present invention provides a hose controlsystem comprising a flow controller, a rotatable hose reel drum ontowhich a hose can be spooled, a motor connected to rotate the drum, areceiver, and a remote control. The flow controller has an inlet, anoutlet, a fluid flow path defined between the inlet and outlet, and avalve positioned to selectively close the fluid flow path. The inlet isconfigured to mate with a residential water faucet, and the outlet isconfigured to mate with a water hose. The receiver is configured toreceive wireless command signals for controlling the valve and themotor. The remote control is configured to transmit wireless commandsignals to the receiver for controlling the valve and the motor.

[0011] In another aspect, the present invention provides a power savingssystem comprising a wireless receiver and a power control unit. Thewireless receiver is configured to receive wireless signals forcontrolling at least one of an electrical motor driving rotation of ahose reel and an electrically actuated valve controlling a fluid flowthrough a hose system. The wireless receiver is capable of receiving thewireless signals only when the wireless receiver is in a powered state.The power control unit is configured to repeatedly switch the wirelessreceiver between powered and unpowered states in a cycle. In oneembodiment, the power control unit is configured to keep the wirelessreceiver in its unpowered state for no more than a set time periodduring each cycle. In this embodiment, the system further comprises aremote control configured to transmit wireless command signals forcontrolling at least one of the motor and the valve, the remote controlconfigured so that each signal is transmitted for a duration at least aslong as the set time period.

[0012] In another aspect, the present invention provides a power savingssystem comprising a wireless receiver and a power control unit. Thewireless receiver is configured to receive wireless signals forcontrolling at least one of an electrical motor driving rotation of ahose reel and an electrically actuated valve controlling a fluid flowthrough a hose system. The wireless receiver is capable of receiving thewireless signals only when the wireless receiver is in a powered state.The power control unit is configured to reduce power consumption byapplying an initial voltage to initiate movement of a mechanical deviceand then reducing the voltage to the mechanical device after themechanical device begins moving and before the mechanical device isintended to stop. In one embodiment the mechanical device is the valve.In another embodiment the mechanical device is the motor.

[0013] In another aspect, the present invention provides the followingmethod: A wireless valve command signal is received for controlling anelectrically actuated valve, the valve positioned to selectively close afluid flow path through a hose system. The valve is positioned inresponse to the wireless valve command signal. A wireless reel commandsignal is received for controlling an electrical motor connected torotate a drum onto which hose can be spooled. The motor is activated inresponse to the wireless reel command signal.

[0014] In another aspect, the present invention provides the followingmethod: A wireless valve command signal is transmitted from a remotecontrol to a wireless receiver. Fluid flow through a hose system iscontrolled in accordance with the wireless valve command signal. Awireless reel command signal is transmitted from the remote control tothe wireless receiver. An electric motor is controlled in accordancewith the wireless reel command signal, the motor connected to rotate arotatable reel drum onto which hose can be spooled.

[0015] In another aspect, the present invention provides a method ofconserving power in the detection of a wireless signal from a remotetransmitter. According to the method, a wireless receiver is repeatedlyswitched between powered and unpowered states in a cycle. The wirelessreceiver is configured to receive wireless signals for controlling atleast one of an electrical motor driving rotation of a hose reel and anelectrically actuated valve controlling a fluid flow through a hosesystem. The wireless receiver is capable of receiving the wirelesssignals only when the wireless receiver is in its powered state. If thewireless receiver receives a wireless signal while in its powered state,switching the wireless receiver to its unpowered state is ceased.

[0016] In another aspect, the present invention provides a power savingvalve controller comprising a flow controller and electronic componentsin communication with the flow controller. The flow controller comprisesan inlet, an outlet, a fluid flow path defined between the inlet andoutlet, and an electrically actuated valve positioned to selectivelyclose the fluid flow path. The electronic components comprise a wirelessreceiver configured to receive wireless command signals for controllingthe valve, and a power control unit configured to repeatedly switch thewireless receiver between powered and unpowered states in a cycle.

[0017] In another aspect, the present invention provides a power savingvalve controller comprising a flow controller and electronic componentsin communication with the flow controller. The flow controller comprisesan inlet, an outlet, a fluid flow path defined between the inlet andoutlet, and an electrically actuated valve positioned to selectivelyclose the fluid flow path. The electronic components comprise a wirelessreceiver and a power control unit. The receiver is configured to receivewireless command signals for controlling the valve. The power controlunit is configured to reduce power consumption by applying an initialvoltage to initiate movement of the valve and reducing the voltage tothe valve after the valve begins moving but before movement of the valveis intended to stop.

[0018] In another aspect, the present invention provides a method ofreducing the power consumed by a flow controller. According to themethod, a receiver is repeatedly switched on and off, the receiver beingconfigured to receive wireless command signals for controlling anelectrically actuated valve of the flow controller. If the receiverreceives a wireless command signal, the receiver is kept on to allow thereceiver to transmit the command signal to the electrically actuatedvalve.

[0019] In another aspect, the present invention provides a method ofreducing the power consumed by a flow controller. According to themethod, an electronic logic unit is kept in an unpowered state until adetection unit detects a wireless signal, the electronic logic unitbeing configured to receive the signal from the detection unit andprocess the signal to control a valve in the flow controller. Theelectronic logic unit is powered when the detection unit detects awireless signal.

[0020] In yet another aspect, the present invention provides a method ofreducing the power consumption of a system for controlling at least oneof fluid flow in a hose system and a motor driving rotation of a reeldrum for spooling a hose of the hose system. According to the method, aninitial voltage is applied to initiate movement of a mechanical device.The initial voltage is reduced after the mechanical device begins movingbut before the mechanical device is instructed to stop moving.

[0021] For purposes of summarizing the invention and the advantagesachieved over the prior art, certain objects and advantages of theinvention have been described herein above. Of course, it is to beunderstood that not necessarily all such objects or advantages may beachieved in accordance with any particular embodiment of the invention.Thus, for example, those skilled in the art will recognize that theinvention may be embodied or carried out in a manner that achieves oroptimizes one advantage or group of advantages as taught herein withoutnecessarily achieving other objects or advantages as may be taught orsuggested herein.

[0022] All of these embodiments are intended to be within the scope ofthe invention herein disclosed. These and other embodiments of thepresent invention will become readily apparent to those skilled in theart from the following detailed description of the preferred embodimentshaving reference to the attached figures, the invention not beinglimited to any particular preferred embodiment(s) disclosed.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0023]FIG. 1A is a schematic illustration of a remotely controlled valvein accordance with a preferred embodiment.

[0024]FIG. 1B is a schematic cross-section of a flow controllerconstructed in accordance with a preferred embodiment.

[0025]FIG. 2 is a schematic illustration of a remotely controlled valvepositioned between two lengths of hose in accordance with anotherembodiment.

[0026]FIG. 3A schematically illustrates a remote control in accordancewith one embodiment.

[0027]FIG. 3B schematically illustrates a remote control in accordancewith another embodiment.

[0028]FIG. 4 schematically illustrates a system for remotely controllingfluid flow and reel operation in accordance with another embodiment.

[0029]FIG. 5 is a schematic representation of the electronics of oneembodiment.

[0030]FIG. 6 is an embodiment of a power control unit.

[0031]FIG. 7A is a graph of the voltage at the output pin 1 of theop-amp of FIG. 6.

[0032]FIG. 7B is the voltage at the non-inverting input pin 3 of FIG. 6.

[0033]FIG. 7C is the voltage at the inverting input pin 4 of FIG. 6.

[0034]FIG. 8 is another embodiment of a power control unit.

[0035]FIG. 9 is another embodiment of a power control unit.

[0036]FIG. 10A is a graph that illustrates the voltage for point p2 ofFIG. 9.

[0037]FIG. 10B is a graph of the voltage at out1 of FIG. 9.

[0038]FIG. 10C is a graph of the voltage at out2 of FIG. 9.

[0039]FIG. 10D is a graph showing that the voltage across the ports out1and out2 of FIG. 9 go to zero when the voltage at point p2 decreasesbelow 1.4 volts

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT

[0040] While illustrated in the context of garden hoses for householdwatering or washing applications, the skilled artisan will readilyappreciate that the principles and advantages of the preferredembodiments are applicable to other types of hose products. For example,in addition to the illustrated liquid application, the fluid flowthrough the hose can comprise compressed air or vacuum suction for otherapplications.

[0041]FIG. 1A illustrates one embodiment of the present invention. Afluid source is illustrated in the form of a water faucet 10 extendingfrom the wall of a building 12. The faucet 10 includes a valve or spigotwith a manual control 14. A hose line 16 in communication with thefaucet 10 extends from a proximal end 18 to a distal end 20, terminatingin a nozzle 22. The nozzle 22 is conventionally configured to receiveattachments. Preferably, the nozzle receives a manually actuated nozzleattachment (not shown), such as a spray gun.

[0042] A flow controller 30 is positioned at some point between thedistal end 20 of the hose line 16 and the water faucet 10. The flowcontroller 30, shown in more detail in FIG. 1B, defines a fluid flowpath 32 from an inlet 34 to an outlet 36. Desirably, the inlet 34 isconfigured with internal threading to receive the external threads of aconventional faucet outlet. Similarly, the flow controller outlet 36defines external threads of a standard diameter and pitch to receive theinternal threads of a conventional garden hose connection. Along theflow path 32 an electrically actuated valve 38, such as a solenoidvalve, for example, selectively permits or inhibits flow therethrough.Such electrically actuated valves with inlets and outlets are known incommercially available sprinkler timing systems. If the term“supplemental” is used to describe the flow controller 30, the flowcontroller may still be the only controller in the system. In otherwords, the term “supplemental” is not necessarily meant to suggest thatthere must be other means of controlling the flow; rather, the term isused as an aid to distinguish this flow controller over other items,such as the manual control 14.

[0043] In the illustrated embodiments (FIGS. 1A, 1B, 2, 4, and 5), theflow controller 30 includes electronics 40 configured to receive andcommunicate signals, or command signals, from a remote source such as atransmitter or remote control 50 (FIGS. 1A, 2, 3A, 3B, 4 and 5). Thus,the electronics 40 aided by an antenna 42, include a wireless receiverconfigured to receive electromagnetic signals from a remote source, andto translate those signals into signals that may open or close theelectrically actuated valve 38. Additionally, as shown in FIG. 4, theflow controller 30 may be linked, via one or more wires 118, to a motor114 that drives rotation of a reel drum 116. Thus, the flow controller30 can send signals to control the operation of the motor 114 for thereel, the motor command signals being conveyed to the motor via the wireconnection 118. The wire connection can also convey power to one or bothof the flow controller 30 and the motor 114. In the illustratedembodiment, the motor 114 is powered by connection of an electrical plug120 to a power supply, the wire connection 118 conveying power to theflow controller 30. Examples of communication methods include infrared(IR) and radio frequency (RF) communications.

[0044] As illustrated in FIG. 5, the wireless receiver 41 will comprisesome type of detection unit 44, such as an RF receiver integratedcircuit (IC) chip, configured to detect incoming wireless signals.Additionally, the receiver 41 may comprise a logic unit or circuit 43,which is configured to analyze and decode incoming wireless signalsdetected by the detection unit 44 and determine what, if any, responseshould be generated. The receiver 41 is preferably configured tocommunicate, electrically, with an electrically driven device, in orderthat the electrical signals can be converted into a physical change,such as the actuation of a valve, for example. The detection unit 44 andthe logic unit 43 need not be physically located within a single housingor receiver 41.

[0045] Note that, while illustrated as an external component, antenna 42the antenna can alternatively be incorporated within the housing of theflow controller 30. Also illustrated in FIG. 1B is a self-contained DCpower source in the form of batteries 47. It will be understood that theflow controller 30 can alternatively be powered by AC current from anelectrical outlet on the building 12, or by solar cells or the like.

[0046] In another embodiment, the logic unit will be external to thereceiver. This logic unit could be an Application-Specific IntegratedCircuit (ASIC), or a standard IC decoder unit. The logic unit canpreferably be powered down when it is not needed.

[0047] Additionally, as shown in FIG. 5, the electronics 40 may includea “power control unit” that lowers the power consumption of the receiver41. The power control unit 45 may be especially valuable when thereceiver 41 is powered by batteries 47. As explained above in theBackground section, a conventional wireless receiver consumes a greatdeal of power because the receiver must continually monitor for wirelesscommands. If the receiver is powered by batteries, the battery powerwould be exhausted in a very short period of time, such as a week orless The power control unit 45 overcomes this limitation. In oneembodiment, of the power control unit 45, the receiver 41 may functionfor up to six months. In one embodiment, the power control unit mayallow a receiver to function for up to twenty times longer than areceiver without the power control unit.

[0048] In one embodiment, the power control unit 45 generally operatesby shutting down the detection unit 44 of the receiver 41, and all otherelectronics for a “reasonable response time.” A “reasonable responsetime” means a time period that a user would not notice or mind in theoperation of the remote control transmitter 50. In another embodiment, a“reasonable response time” is defined as slightly shorter than theduration that the signal from the remote control transmitter lasts 50.For example, when activation of the transmitter 50 results in a signalthat lasts 3 seconds, then the shut down time on the detection unit 44is preferably less than 3 seconds. In alternative embodiments, the shutdown time of the detection unit 44 is longer than the duration of thesignal from the transmitter 50 In these embodiments, the transmittedsignal may not be detected by the detection unit 44, which could causemore substantial wait times. In an alternative embodiment, thereasonable response time factors in the fact that some of theembodiments are as a water hose operated device, for which a user may bewilling to wait several seconds before anything occurs at the user'slocation. In an alternative embodiment, a reasonable response time is atime period determined by the necessary life of the battery and thepower currently in the battery. For example, if the battery, orbatteries, should last for a years worth of continuous use in thereceiver 41, but the batteries only supply 1 week's worth of continuousactivity for the detector unit 44, then the power control unit 45 willonly activate the detector unit approximately 1 second out of every 52seconds. A 51 second down cycle could result in a very long delaybetween the initiation of the signal from the transmitter 50 to any flowof water through the hose 16, but this is merely an example of how thetime periods could be set. However, the detector unit 44 needs only afraction of a second to determine if a signal is being received. Forexample, the detector unit 44 could be on for {fraction (1/50)} of asecond, or 20 milliseconds, during each second. This would be asufficient time to recognize if a signal is being received and wouldsave a significant amount of power.

[0049] Once the power control unit 45 powers up the detection unit 44,the detection unit searches for a signal. This process of repeatedlyshutting on and off the detection unit 44, as well as other currentdraining equipment, limits the amount of power needed for continuouslymonitoring for incoming wireless signals. If the detection unit 44 doesnot detect a signal within a set amount of time, the power control unit45 preferably turns off the power to the detection unit for anotherperiod of time, thus repeating a cycle.

[0050] In another embodiment, the power control 45 unit also turns offthe logic unit 43. The logic unit 43 need not be automatically turnedback on after a certain period of time. Instead, powering on the logicunit 43 on is only required when a wireless signal is detected by thedetection unit 44. In one embodiment, this signal is a valid commandfrom the remote transmitter 50 to open or close the valve 38 or activatethe motor 114.

[0051] In either of these power saving embodiments, the device can beconfigured to return to its power saving mode after a wireless signalhas been detected and the signal ceases. That is, while the detection ofa signal results in the power control unit 45 allowing the device to usemore power, the end of a signal may also allow the power control unit toreturn the electronics 40 to their low power consumption state. In someembodiments it may be desirable to include a delay following thecessation of the signal, in case another signal is likely to follow. Forexample, it may be efficient to leave the electronics 40 fullyoperational, even after a signal to close the valve 38 has stopped beingtransmitted, as it may be likely that a signal to rewind the hose reelis soon to follow.

[0052] In one aspect, the power control unit 45 employs an op-amp toswitch the detection unit 44 on and off, repeatedly, in order toconserve battery life.

[0053] A preferred embodiment of a power control unit can be seen inFIG. 6. The power control unit preferably comprises a very low powerbi-stable oscillator. The oscillator comprises an op-amp U1A, aplurality of resistors R1, R2, R3, R4 and R5, a capacitor C1, and adiode D1. The op-amp U1A has a non-inverting input pin 3, an invertinginput pin 4, and an output pin 1, among others. Resistors R1, R2, and R3form a voltage divider, which provides one of two voltages to thenon-inverting input pin 3 of the op-amp U1A. The resistor R3 provideshysteresis to stabilize the op-amp. While the receiver is an RF receiverin this embodiment, other communications methods could also be used inplace of RF communications. FIGS. 7A, 7B, and 7C illustrate the voltagesat the pins of the op-amp. FIG. 7A is the voltage at the output pin 1 ofthe op-amp. FIG. 7B is the voltage at the non-inverting input pin 3, andFIG. 7C is the voltage at the inverting input pin 4.

[0054] The voltage at non-inverting pin 3 is higher when the voltage atthe output pin 1 is high because of the effects of the voltage divider.The capacitor C1 charges, gradually increasing the voltage at theinverting pin 4 until the voltage equals the voltage of thenon-inverting pin 3. The op-amp U1A then changes the output of pin 1 toits low voltage, V_(ol.) Because there are no capacitors connected tothe non-inverting pin 3, and thus no time delay, the low output on pin 1immediately reduces the voltage to pin 3. The low output voltage alsocauses current to flow though the resistors R4 and R5 and lowers thevoltage across the capacitor C1. Voltage across a capacitor cannotchange immediately, so the voltage at the inverting input 4 graduallydecreases. When the voltage at pin 4 decreases to the voltage of thenon-inverting pin 3 the output pin 1 of the op-amp U1A rises to theop-amp's high voltage, V_(oh). The high output of the output pin 1causes current to flow though the resistor R4 and raises the voltageacross the capacitor C1. As the capacitor charges, the voltage at theinverting input pin 4 increases. When the voltage at the inverting pin 4equals the voltage of the non-inverting pin 3, the output pin 1 switchesto V_(ol), thus repeating a continuous cycle. The non-inverting duration(T_(p)) is proportional to the time constant determined by theresistance of resistor R4 multiplied by the capacitance of capacitor C1.The inverting duration (T_(n)) is proportional to the time constant ofthe combined resistance of resistors R3 and R4 in parallel multiplied bythe capacitance of capacitor C1. This time constant is defined as((R4*R3)/(R4+R3))*C1.

[0055] When the output pin 1 of op-amp U1A is high, a transistor Q1 hasno base current and does not conduct. This turns the power off to the RFreceiver U2. When the output pin 1 of the op-amp U1A is low, thetransistor Q1 has base current conducting through the resistor R6 andturns on such that the voltage at the collector of the transistor Q1 isclose to the voltage of Battery+. This turns the power on to the RFreceiver U2. As described above, T_(n), the time that the RF receiver U2receives power, is proportional to the time constant. In a preferredembodiment, T_(n) is {fraction (1/20)} of the total cycle time,T_(n)+T_(p). Preferably, the RF receiver is on between about 2% and 20%of each cycle, more preferably between about 3% and 10%. The on and offduration can be further modified by making the resistors R1 and R2unequal to form an additional voltage divider.

[0056] The RF receiver U2 outputs a signal on the data pin 10 if thereis a RF command being received. When the output of data pin 10 is high,current conducts through a diode D2, charging the capacitor C2. When thevoltage across the capacitor C2 is above 0.6 volts, current conductsthrough a resistor R8 and the base-emitter junction of a transistor Q2.When current conducts through the base-emitter junction of thetransistor Q2, the transistor Q2 turns on and the voltage at thecollector is close to ground. This causes current to flow through aresistor R7 and the transistor Q1 base-emitter junction thus holding thetransistor Q1 in the on state, applying power to the RF receiver U2.This performs the function of applying power to the RF receiver U2 whilethe command is decoded and executed. In this embodiment, the RF receiverU2 receives the RF data and also decodes it. When the RF reciver nolonger is receiving a signal, the data pin 10 goes low and the controlof power to the RF receiver U2 is restored to the bi-stable oscillator.

[0057] When the RF receiver U2 has decoded a command it outputs theresults on data pin D0, pin 2 of RF receiver U2, and/or data pin D1, pin3 of the RF receiver U2. If the function1 port is to be enabled, thenthe RF receiver U2 outputs a high voltage on the data pin DO (pin 2). Ifthe function0 port is to be enabled it outputs a high voltage on thedata pin D1 (pin 3). A high voltage on the data pin DO (pin 2) willcause current to flow through the diode D4 and pull the enable function1port to a high voltage. A high voltage on the data pin D1 (pin 3) willcause current to flow through the diode D3 and pull the enable function0port to a high voltage. In another embodiment of a power control unitseen in FIG. 8, the power control unit preferably comprises an op-ampU1A, a plurality of resistors R1, R2, R3, R4 and R5, and a capacitor C1to form a very low power bi-stable oscillator similar to the embodimentabove.

[0058] When the output pin 1 of the op-amp U1A is high, a transistor Q1has no base current and does not conduct. This turns the power off to aRF receiver U2. In this embodiment, the RF receiver U2 serves only as areceiver. The RF receiver U2 passes the data to an ASIC U3 for decodingas seen in FIG. 8. When the output pin 1 of the op-amp U1 is low, thetransistor Q1 has base current conducting through the resistor R6 andturns on such that the voltage at the collector is close to Battery+.The high collector voltage turns the power on to the RF receiver U2.

[0059] The output of the RF receiver U2 on data pin 8 is used tomaintain power to the RF receiver U2 while the command is beingreceived. The RF receiver U2 outputs a signal on data pin 8 if there isan RF command being received. When the output on the data pin 8 is high,current conducts through the diode D2, charging the capacitor C2. Whenthe voltage across the capacitor C2 is above 0.6 volts, current conductsthrough a resistor R8 and the base-emitter junction of a transistor Q2.The transistor Q2 turns on and the voltage at the collector is close toground. This causes current to flow through a resistor R7 and thetransistor Q1 base-emitter junction. Thus, the transistor Q1 is held inthe on state, applying power to the RF receiver U2 while the command isdecoded.

[0060] The output of the RF receiver U2 on data pin 8 is also used tomaintain power to the ASIC U3 while the command is being decoded. Whenthe voltage across the capacitor C2 is above 0.6 volts, current conductsthrough a resistor R11 and the base-emitter junction of a transistor Q3.The transistor Q3 turns on and the voltage at the collector is close toground. This causes current to flow through a resistor R12 and thetransistor Q3 base-emitter junction thus holding a transistor Q4 in theon state, applying power to the ASIC U3. When the ASIC U3 has decoded acommand it and determines that the command is a valid command, itoutputs a high voltage on the function enable port which turns the poweron to the electronics to implement the appropriate functions. The datapin 8 of the RF receiver U2 is turned off, and the power cycle isrestored to the control of the bi-stable oscillator.

[0061] In another embodiment illustrated in FIG. 9, the power controlunit alters the voltage that is being applied across a valve operatingdevice for the period of time required to open or close the valve. Inone embodiment, the power control unit applies a constant voltage acrossthe valve for a period of time sufficient to overcome the initialfriction of the valve in order to start the valve moving. Then, thepower control valve decreases the voltage for the next period of timewhile the valve is moving. This process lowers the total amount ofenergy needed to open or close the valve. When the user presses theswitch S1, the anode of a diode D1 is connected to Battery+. The diodeD1 will go into conduction and the voltage at the cathode of diode D1will rise to the “breakover” voltage of the diode (e.g., 0.6 volts).Similarly, when the voltage at enable function 0 goes high, a diode D2will go into conduction and the voltage at the cathode of the diode D2will rise to 0.6 volts. When voltage at the cathode of either diode D1or D2 is high, the voltage across a capacitor C1 changes. The voltageacross the capacitor C1 cannot change instantaneously, so current flowsthrough a resistor R4 and the emitter-base junction of a transistor Q1.The transistor Q1 turns on and saturates the collector-emitter junctionvoltage. Current flows through a resistor R5 and the emitter-basejunction of a transistor Q2. Additionally, current flows through aresistor R6 and the emitter-base junction of a transistor Q3. Thiscurrent is initially enough to saturate Q2 and Q3, thus effectivelyconnecting Out1 and Out 2 to Battery+ and Battery− respectively.

[0062] As the capacitor C1 charges, the voltage across the resistor R4decreases. When the transistor Q1 is no longer saturated, the currentthrough the resistors R5 and R6 will fall, which will cause thetransistors Q2 and Q3 to no longer be saturated. The voltage at out1will slowly drop from Battery+ and the voltage at out2 will slowlyincrease from battery. This effectively decreases the voltage betweenout1 and out2, which is the voltage across the water valve. As thevoltage across the valve decreases, the power which is consumed by thevalve decreases. When the transistors Q1, Q3, and Q4 are turned off, thepower is disconnected from the valve.

[0063]FIGS. 10A, 10B, 10C and 10D illustrate the process of slowlyturning down the voltage across the water valve. The numbers in thesegraphs are merely suggestive of actual numbers, and will vary dependingon component values. In FIG. 10A, the graph illustrates the voltage forpoint p2, which is at the node of the resistors R3 and R4 and thecapacitor C1. FIG. 10B is a graph of the voltage at out1. FIG. 10C is agraph of the voltage at out2. Note that when the voltage at P2 decreasesbelow 1.4 volts, there is insufficient voltage to turn on thetransistors Q2 and Q3, and the voltage to the ports out1 and out2 isequal. As illustrated in FIG. 10D, the voltage across the ports out1 andout2 goes to zero when the voltage at point p2 decreases below 1.4volts. The voltage alteration process applies full voltage across thevalve to break the friction and start the valve moving and thendecreases the voltage during the period that the valve is moving tominimize the power consumption.

[0064] Similar circuits can be used throughout the device to furtherlimit the power consumption for other functions. In a preferredembodiment, there is a circuit for each function enable setting.

[0065] In one embodiment, several of the above power consumption unitsare used together. Any combination may be used, and a combination of allthree power consumption units is contemplated. In one embodiment, thevoltage shaping circuit is used with either of the power control units.While the power control units have been described in relation to theiroperation to a flow controller for a hose, and in particular forcontrolling a valve, one of skill in the art will recognize that thesepower control units can be useful in any situation where theminimization of power consumption is desirable. This is true regardlessof whether or not the receiver unit is powered by batteries or involvesa flow controller.

[0066] Referring again to FIG. 1A, the apparatus further comprises aremote control 50, which is capable of communicating wirelessly with theelectronics 40 of the flow controller 30, as described above.Accordingly, the remote control 50 includes a wireless transmitter andpower source (preferably a battery 47). In one embodiment, the systemoperates on radio frequency. In one preferred embodiment, frequencies inthe range of 433 MHz to 900 MHz are used. However, in other embodiments,infrared or other ranges of electromagnetic radiation can be employed.Preferably, the transmitter operates off of a DC current with apreferred minimum range of 100 feet, more preferably with a minimumrange of 200 feet. In the illustrated embodiment, the remote controller50 is mounted on the hose 16, particularly proximate the nozzle 22. Theremote controller 50 can be mounted on the hose 16 by any suitablemanner, including standard attachment bands 52 as illustrated.

[0067] Referring now to FIG. 2, the system for controlling flow isillustrated in accordance with another embodiment. In this embodiment,the flow controller 30 is again placed between the faucet 10 and thenozzle 22 that terminates the distal end 20. However, rather thanplacing the flow controller 30 directly at the proximal end 18 of thehose line, the flow controller 30 is placed in an intermediate positionalong the hose line. Namely, the flow controller 30 is positionedbetween a first hose length or section 16 a and a second hose length orsection 16 b. Additionally, the remote control 50 is shown freely heldby a user's hand 54, rather than being mounted on the hose. Asillustrated, the remote 50 can be very small, such as the remotecontrols sometimes found on key chains or as part of a key forautomobile remote security control.

[0068]FIG. 3A illustrates one simple embodiment for the “key chain”remote control 50. In this simple embodiment, the remote control 50simply toggles the electrically actuated valve 38 (FIG. 1B) between openand closed conditions. The remote control 50 includes manually operatedcontrols for user operation. In the illustrated embodiment, an “ON”button 58 represents the open condition for the electrically actuatedvalve 38 while an “OFF” button 59 represents the closed condition forthis electrically actuated valve 38. It will be understood that, inother arrangements, a single button can serve to both open and close theelectrically actuated valve 38, depending upon the current state of thevalve when the signal is sent. In a more complicated arrangement, eitheror both of the ON and OFF buttons can serve to partially open orpartially close the valve along a continuum from the completely openstate to the completely closed state. A single dial can similarlyfunction to control the rate of flow by controlling the degree to whichthe electrically actuated valve 38 is open.

[0069] With reference now to FIG. 3B, a remote control 50 with morecomplicated manual controls is illustrated. As will be better understoodfrom FIG. 4 and related text below, this remote control operates boththe flow controller 30 as well as a hose reel mechanism for windingand/or unwinding hose onto/from a hose drum. For example, the remotecontrol 50 can operate the motor 114 of the embodiment of FIG. 4(described below). In this arrangement, a single valve control button 62is illustrated, such that pressing the button 62 will send a signal tothe electronics 40 (FIG. 1B) of the flow controller 30 to toggle theelectrically actuated valve 38 between open and closed conditions. Itwill be understood that the valve control button 62 can be replaced bytwo buttons, as in FIG. 3A, or can be replaced by any of thealternatives mentioned in the preceding paragraph.

[0070] The remote control 50 of FIG. 3B also includes one or morebuttons for controlling hose reel operation. In the illustratedembodiment, the remote control 50 includes a “stop” button 64, forhalting the operation of the motor on the hose reel device, a “forward”button 66 for unwinding hose from the hose reel, and a “rewind” button68 for winding hose onto the hose reel drum. Note the use of symbols onthese buttons to mimic standard symbols on tape, compact disc, and videoplayback devices. In other arrangements, it will be understood that the“forward” button 66 can be omitted when the hose reel is arranged formanual unwinding, simply by pulling on the hose. Additionally, in suchan arrangement a single button can be provided (in place of stop andrewind buttons) to toggle the hose reel motor between rewinding and offconditions. The associated electronics and the hose reel device can alsobe configured to conduct a short, timed rewind with a single quick tapupon the button, and to completely rewind the hose when the button isheld down for a longer period of time. The skilled artisan will readilyappreciate numerous modifications that can be made to the electronics tooperate the flow controller and a hose reel device.

[0071] With reference now to FIG. 4, a hose control apparatus 100,including a hose reel device 110, the flow controller 30 and the remotecontrol 50, is illustrated. The first length of hose 16 a conveys fluidfrom the fluid source or faucet 10 to the flow controller 30. In theillustrated embodiment, the hose reel device 110 includes the flowcontroller 30 inside a hose reel housing 112, although in otherarrangements the flow controller 30 can be connected outside the hosereel housing 112. As illustrated, the hose reel device 110 also includesa motor 114 for rotating a hose reel drum 116. A second hose section 16b wraps around the drum 116 and terminates at the distal end 20 in ahose nozzle 22 or attachment device, such as a spray gun or extensionrod (not shown). As shown, the remote control 50 is attached at thedistal end 20 of the hose, just upstream of the nozzle 22, by way ofattachment bands 52 or other suitable means.

[0072] Preferably, the flow controller 30 is connected, directly orindirectly, upstream of the hose reel drum. Therefore, when the water isshut off at the flow controller 30, the second hose section 16 b can bereadily wrapped upon the drum 116 without the difficulties associatedwith water pressure within the second hose section 16 b, despite thefact that the water spigot 14 is turned on and there is water pressurewithin the first hose section 16 a. Fluid connection between the flowcontroller 30 and the second hose section 16 b can be direct, but ispreferably conducted via a third hose section 16 c that leads to anintegrated tubing and a further connection on the drum 116 between theintegrated tubing and the second hose section 16 b. In one embodiment, asingle command from the remote control both turns off the flow of waterfrom the flow controller 30 and starts the hose reel device 110rewinding. One of the benefits of some of the herein describedembodiments is that the combination of a remotely operated valve andremotely operated reel allows the benefits of the other device to bemore fully exploited. For instance, as described above, the flowcontroller 30 allows the reel to more efficiently wind in and unwind thehose. Likewise, the advantage of the remote control for the reel allowsone to fully enjoy the remote control aspect of the flow controller 30since without it, if one were going to put the hose back, one would haveto return to the original location of the hose.

[0073] The flow controller 30 is also connected by way of theillustrated wire connection 118 to the hose reel motor 114, which is inturn connected to a power source, such as a relatively heavy dutyrechargeable battery (not shown) or by the illustrated electrical cord120 leading to an electrical source or outlet of the building 12. Notethat the wire connection 118 can carry both electrical signals from theelectronics 40 (FIG. 1B), and power from the power source of the hosereel device 110 to the flow controller 30, thereby obviating a separatebattery source for the flow controller 30. The wire connection 118 maycomprise one or more wires. It will be understood that, by theillustrated wire connection 118, the flow controller 30 decodes andrelays signals from the remote control 50 to operate the hose reel, asdiscussed above with respect to FIG. 3B. It will be understood by one ofskill in the art that, in some embodiments, the precise location of theelectronics 40 need not be within the body of the flow controller 30.For instance, the electronics 40, including the wireless receiver 41,may be contained anywhere within the hose reel device 110 or within thehose reel housing 112, or even outside of or on top of the hose reeldevice. Indeed, in some embodiments, so long as the electronics 40 cancommunicate signals it receives to the flow controller 30, theelectronics could practically be located anywhere. The importantconsiderations to be made in deciding where to place the electronics 40include those guiding principles pointed out in the present application,and those realized by one of ordinary skill in the art. For example, thearrangement in FIG. 4 has the benefit of placing one possible source ofelectricity, the electrical cord 120, at a significant distance from theinlet of the flow controller 30. This is advantageous because, when theelectrically actuated valve 38 is closed, the inlet section of the flowcontroller 30 will still be experiencing the full pressure of substancein the hose. This inlet section of the closed flow controller 30 has agreater chance of leaking than the section of hose closer towards thenozzle. If the fluid is hazardous when combined with electricity (wateror certain explosive gases, for example) it would be beneficial for thedevice to provide as much distance as possible between the primarysource of electrical current and possible sources of leaks of the fluid.

[0074] While in many embodiments, the electronics 40 are containedwithin the flow controller 30, in some embodiments it may beadvantageous to place certain aspects of the electronics in otherlocations. For instance, it may be advantageous to place the wirelessreceiver(s) external to any hose reel housing 112, in order to allow forcertain remote control devices to reach the receiver more readily.Alternatively, it may be desirable to limit the amount of electronics inthe flow controller 30; thus, the electronics may be placed elsewhereand connected to the electrically activated valve 38 via a wire whichwill carry a signal to open or close the valve. In one embodiment, theelectronics 40 are primarily contained within the hose reel device 110.In another embodiment, the electronics 40 are contained in or on thehose reel housing 112. In a preferred embodiment, the electronics 40 areprimarily contained in the flow controller 30.

[0075] While not illustrated, it will be understood that the hose reelpreferably includes a mechanism to distribute the hose across thesurface of the drum 116 as it winds, thereby avoiding tangling andmaximizing efficiency. Most preferably, the hose reel device 110 employsa mechanism similar to that disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 6,422,500 issuedto Mead, Jr. on Jul. 23, 2002, and assigned to the assignee of thepresent application, the disclosure of which is incorporated herein byreference. In particular, that patent illustrates at FIGS. 8A and 8B andrelated text a method of distributing hose across the hose reel drum byrelative rotation between a housing shell with a hose aperture and thedrum housed within. Mechanisms for linking the rotation of the drumalong the horizontal axis and the rotation of the surrounding shell caninclude the spiral groove as illustrated in the incorporated patent, orcan include any of a number of other linkage systems.

[0076] In operation, the hose reel device 110 and flow controller 30 canbe connected to a water faucet 10 and placed at any convenient position.When not in use, the second section of hose 16 b is wound upon the hosereel drum 116 with perhaps only the nozzle 22 protruding from the hosereel housing 112. The flow controller 30 is preferably in an offposition during non-use, such that there is less pressure in the secondsection of hose 16 b during non-use than during use, although the spigotat the faucet 10 may be left open. There is thus minimum risk ofleakage, at least upstream of the flow controller 30, and the hosesection 16 b readily winds upon the drum and can be slightly compressed,depending upon the nature of the hose. In another embodiment, whilethere is little pressure in section 16 b of the hose while the hose isnot being used, in order to assist the unwinding of the hose, thepressure in section 16 b may be increased, thus inflating the hose andassisting in the unwinding of the hose. This may be achieved by openingthe electrically actuated valve, at least partially. As will beappreciated by one of skill in the art, in the embodiment described byFIG. 4, this pre-inflating of the hose may lead to water leaving thehose before the water is needed by the user. However, a second flowcontroller may be placed further downstream towards the nozzle 22, ormanual controls may be in place at the nozzle as well.

[0077] In one embodiment, multiple flow controllers may be employedalong a length of hose, for many reasons, the main two being that theremay be multiple flow outlets, or because particular characteristics ofhose properties may be desired in particular sections of a hose.

[0078] When it is desired to operate the hose, the user can pull uponthe nozzle 22 and freely unwind the hose from the drum 116. In otherarrangements, the motor 114 can be actuated (e.g., by use of the remotecontrol 50) to automatically splay out and unwind the hose. When theuser has pulled the hose sufficiently and has reached a position wherehe would like to apply the fluid, the user employs the remote control 50to open the flow control valve 38 in the flow controller 30. Since thespigot 14 is already open, there is no need to travel to the faucet 10,which may be difficult to reach or where there is likely to be muddinessfrom dripping water, in order to turn on the hose. Nor does water flowfreely during such a special trip to the faucet 10 between the time ofturning on the faucet and returning to the nozzle, even in the situationwhere no manually actuated nozzle attachment is used. Rather, the useris already in position and holding the nozzle when the water flow isactuated. Furthermore, the user need not return to the faucet 10 inorder to shut the water off, but would rather simply use the remotecontrol 50 to shut the water flow off at the flow controller 30.

[0079] As appreciated by one of skill in the art, in some embodiments,the particular arrangements described above result in situations inwhich the chance the fluid flowing through the hose, coming into contactwith any electrical current, is greatly reduced. However, it may stillbe beneficial to effectively seal many of the components that useelectricity in order to further reduce any risk.

[0080] It will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that variousomissions, additions, and modifications may be made to the methods andstructures described above without departure from the scope of theinvention. All such modifications and changes are intended to fallwithin the scope of the invention, as defined by the appended claims.

We claim:
 1. A hose control system comprising: a flow controllerincluding an inlet, an outlet, a fluid flow path defined between theinlet and outlet, and an electrically actuated valve positioned toselectively close the fluid flow path; a hose reel device in fluidcommunication with the outlet of the flow controller, the hose reeldevice comprising a rotatable drum onto which a hose can be spooled, andan electrical motor connected to rotate the drum; electronic componentsin communication with said valve and said motor, the electroniccomponents comprising a wireless receiver configured to receive wirelesscommand signals for controlling the valve and the motor, the electroniccomponents configured to convey electrical power to drive the valve andthe motor; and a remote control comprising manual controls and awireless transmitter, the wireless transmitter configured to transmitcommand signals to the wireless receiver for controlling the valve andthe motor, the manual controls connected to the wireless transmitter topermit control of the wireless transmitter.
 2. The hose control systemof claim 1, wherein the wireless receiver is integrated with the flowcontroller.
 3. The hose control system of claim 1, wherein theelectronic components include integrated circuit (IC) chips.
 4. The hosecontrol system of claim 1, wherein the wireless receiver is a radiofrequency (RF) receiver.
 5. The hose control system of claim 1, whereinthe electronic components further comprise an electronic logic unitconfigured to receive the wireless command signals from the wirelessreceiver and process said command signals to control the valve and themotor.
 6. The hose control system of claim 5, wherein the logic unitcomprises an IC decoder unit.
 7. The hose control system of claim 1,wherein the electronic components are configured to position the valveat any of a plurality of positions between a completely closed positionin which the fluid flow path is completely closed and a completely openposition in which the fluid flow path is completely open.
 8. The hosecontrol system of claim 1, wherein the inlet of the flow controller isconfigured to mate with an outlet of a water faucet, the outlet beingconfigured to mate with a hose.
 9. The hose control system of claim 1,wherein the inlet and the outlet of the flow controller are configuredto mate with ends of hose sections.
 10. The hose control system of claim1, further comprising a hose having a proximal end in fluid connectionwith the outlet of the flow controller, the remote control being mountedproximate a distal end of the hose.
 11. The hose control system of claim1, wherein the hose reel device and the flow controller are positionedwithin a common housing.
 12. The hose control system of claim 1, whereinthe manual controls of the remote control comprise one or more motorcontrols for transmitting command signals to the wireless receiver forcontrolling the motor, and one or more valve controls for transmittingcommand signals to the wireless receiver for controlling the valve. 13.A hose control system, comprising: a flow controller having an inlet, anoutlet, a fluid flow path defined between the inlet and outlet, and anelectrically actuated valve positioned to selectively close the fluidflow path; a rotatable hose reel drum onto which a hose can be spooled;an electrically controllable motor connected to rotate the drum;electronic components in communication with said valve and said motor;and a remote control configured to transmit wireless command signals tothe electronic components for controlling the valve and the motor.
 14. Ahose control system, comprising: a flow controller having an inlet, anoutlet, a fluid flow path defined between the inlet and outlet, and avalve positioned to selectively close the fluid flow path, the inletbeing configured to mate with a residential water faucet, the outletbeing configured to mate with a water hose; a rotatable hose reel drumonto which a hose can be spooled; a motor connected to rotate the drum;a receiver configured to receive wireless command signals forcontrolling the valve and the motor; and a remote control configured totransmit wireless command signals to the receiver for controlling thevalve and the motor.
 15. A power savings system comprising: a wirelessreceiver configured to receive wireless signals for controlling at leastone of an electrical motor driving rotation of a hose reel and anelectrically actuated valve controlling a fluid flow through a hosesystem, the wireless receiver being capable of receiving the wirelesssignals only when the wireless receiver is in a powered state; a powercontrol unit configured to repeatedly switch the wireless receiverbetween powered and unpowered states in a cycle.
 16. The power savingssystem of claim 15, wherein the power control unit keeps the wirelessreceiver in its powered state between about 2-20% of the time of thecycle.
 17. The power savings system of claim 16, wherein the powercontrol unit keeps the wireless receiver in its powered state betweenabout 3-10% of the time of the cycle.
 18. The power savings system ofclaim 15, wherein the wireless receiver comprises a detection unitconfigured to detect and receive wireless command signals and anelectronic logic unit configured to receive the command signals from thedetection unit, the logic unit further configured to process saidcommand signals to control at least one of the motor and the valve,wherein the power control unit is configured to keep the logic unit inan unpowered state until the wireless receiver receives a wirelesssignal.
 19. The power savings system of claim 15, wherein the powercontrol unit comprises an operational amplifier.
 20. The power savingssystem of claim 15, wherein the wireless receiver comprises a radiofrequency (RF) receiver.
 21. The power savings system of claim 15,wherein the power control unit is configured to keep the wirelessreceiver in its unpowered state for no more than a set time periodduring each cycle, the system further comprising a remote controlconfigured to transmit wireless command signals for controlling at leastone of the motor and the valve, the remote control configured so thateach signal is transmitted for a duration at least as long as said settime period.
 22. A power savings system comprising: a wireless receiverconfigured to receive wireless signals for controlling at least one ofan electrical motor driving rotation of a hose reel and an electricallyactuated valve controlling a fluid flow through a hose system, thewireless receiver being capable of receiving the wireless signals onlywhen the wireless receiver is in a powered state; a power control unitconfigured to reduce power consumption by applying an initial voltage toinitiate movement of a mechanical device and then reducing the voltageto the mechanical device after the mechanical device begins moving andbefore the mechanical device is intended to stop.
 23. The power savingsystem of claim 22, wherein the mechanical device is the valve.
 24. Thepower saving system of claim 22, wherein the mechanical device is themotor.
 25. A method comprising: receiving a wireless valve commandsignal for controlling an electrically actuated valve, the valvepositioned to selectively close a fluid flow path through a hose system;positioning the valve in response to the wireless valve command signal;receiving a wireless reel command signal for controlling an electricalmotor connected to rotate a drum onto which hose can be spooled; andactivating the motor in response to the wireless reel command signal.26. A method comprising: transmitting a wireless valve command signalfrom a remote control to a wireless receiver; controlling fluid flowthrough a hose system in accordance with the wireless valve commandsignal; transmitting a wireless reel command signal from the remotecontrol to the wireless receiver; and controlling an electric motor inaccordance with the wireless reel command signal, the motor connected torotate a rotatable reel drum onto which hose can be spooled.
 27. Themethod of claim 26, wherein controlling fluid flow comprises controllingmovement of an electrically actuated valve positioned to selectivelyclose a fluid flow path through a hose system.
 28. A method ofconserving power in the detection of a wireless signal from a remotetransmitter, comprising: repeatedly switching a wireless receiverbetween powered and unpowered states in a cycle, the wireless receiverconfigured to receive wireless signals for controlling at least one ofan electrical motor driving rotation of a hose reel and an electricallyactuated valve controlling a fluid flow through a hose system, thewireless receiver being capable of receiving the wireless signals onlywhen the wireless receiver is in its powered state; and if the wirelessreceiver receives a wireless signal while in its powered state, ceasingto switch the wireless receiver to its unpowered state.
 29. The methodof claim 28, further comprising keeping the wireless receiver in itspowered state between about 2-20% of the time of the cycle.
 30. Themethod of claim 29, further comprising keeping the wireless receiver inits powered state between about 3-10% of the time of the cycle.
 31. Themethod of claim 28, further comprising: keeping an electronic logic unitin an unpowered state, the electronic logic unit configured to receivecommand signals from the wireless receiver and process said signals tocontrol at least one of the motor and the valve; if the wirelessreceiver receives a wireless signal, switching the logic unit to apowered state.
 32. The method of claim 28, further comprising:transmitting wireless command signals from a remote location to thewireless receiver, each signal being transmitted for a duration at leastas long as a set time period; and keeping the wireless receiver in itsunpowered state for no more than said set time period during each cycle.33. A power saving valve controller comprising: a flow controllercomprising an inlet, an outlet, a fluid flow path defined between theinlet and outlet, and an electrically actuated valve positioned toselectively close the fluid flow path; and electronic components incommunication with said flow controller, the electronic componentscomprising: a wireless receiver configured to receive wireless commandsignals for controlling the valve; and a power control unit configuredto repeatedly switch the wireless receiver between powered and unpoweredstates in a cycle.
 34. The power saving valve controller of claim 33,further comprising an electronic logic unit configured to process saidsignals, wherein the power control unit is configured to keep theelectronic logic unit in an unpowered state until the wireless receiverreceives a wireless command signal, the power control unit configured toswitch the electronic logic unit to a powered state after the receiverreceives the wireless command signal.
 35. A power saving valvecontroller comprising: a flow controller comprising an inlet, an outlet,a fluid flow path defined between the inlet and outlet, and anelectrically actuated valve positioned to selectively close the fluidflow path; and electronic components in communication with said flowcontroller, the electronic components comprising: a wireless receiverconfigured to receive wireless command signals for controlling thevalve; and a power control unit configured to reduce power consumptionby applying an initial voltage to initiate movement of the valve andreducing the voltage to the valve after the valve begins moving butbefore movement of the valve is intended to stop.
 36. A method ofreducing the power consumed by a flow controller, said methodcomprising: repeatedly switching on and off a receiver configured toreceive wireless command signals for controlling an electricallyactuated valve of the flow controller; and if the receiver receives awireless command signal, keeping the receiver on to allow the receiverto transmit the command signal to the electrically actuated valve.
 37. Amethod of reducing the power consumed by a flow controller, said methodcomprising: keeping an electronic logic unit in an unpowered state untila detection unit detects a wireless signal, the electronic logic unitconfigured to receive the signal from the detection unit and processsaid signal to control a valve in the flow controller; and powering theelectronic logic unit when the detection unit detects a wireless signal.38. A method of reducing the power consumption of a system forcontrolling at least one of fluid flow in a hose system and a motordriving rotation of a reel drum for spooling a hose of the hose system,said method comprising: applying an initial voltage to initiate movementof a mechanical device; and reducing said initial voltage after themechanical device begins moving but before the mechanical device isinstructed to stop moving.
 39. The method of claim 38, wherein themechanical device is a valve positioned to selectively close a fluidflow path through the hose system.
 40. The method of claim 38, whereinthe mechanical device is the motor driving rotation of the reel drum.